Goalkeeper Alex Palmer on mission for maiden EPL clean sheet to aid Ipswich Town survive relegation battle
A Time Tickin' for Ipswich
Pressure mounts as the final stretch of games approaches for struggling Ipswich Town, who currently occupy the relegation zone in the Premier League. With just ten fixtures remaining, goalkeeper Alex Palmer is well aware of the dire situation, longing for a much-needed victory to distance themselves from the drop.
Ipswich finds itself at least two wins away from safety, only accumulating three league victories throughout the entire season. This weekend, they host high-flying Nottingham Forest at Portman Road, who previously defeated Ipswich 1-0 and eliminated them from The FA Cup in a heartbreaking penalty shoot-out.
The agony of missing out on a historic trip to the last eight of the competition in 32 years still lingers, but Palmer insists the players won't dwell on that loss.
As a goalkeeper, Palmer admitted to feeling despair about the penalty kicks, but he acknowledged that Forest's spot-kicks were expertly taken.
Palmer joined Ipswich Town last month from West Bromwich Albion for a reported $2.6 million after first-choice goalkeeper Christian Walton suffered a groin injury in January. Walton had taken over from summer signing Aro Muric, who played 17 Premier League games in a row between the sticks.
With Walton now fit and young Ceiran Slicker called up to the senior Scotland side for the first time in November, Palmer is now facing stern competition from three other goalkeepers at the club.
As a goalkeeper who continuously studies the game, Palmer aspires to be a commanding figure at the back, asserting his presence to keep focus and improve various aspects of his performance.
Manager Kieran McKenna acknowledged that one of the main reasons he brought Palmer into the club was because of his good communication skills, which was echoed by defenders Dara O'Shea and Jacob Greaves, who joked that he spoke too much.
With Ipswich Town slipping down the table, they're now staring relegation in the face. Out of their six games so far, they have only managed to secure a win against Coventry City, and their opponent this weekend, Nottingham Forest, will present a significant challenge.
Palmer remains hopeful, stating they're getting closer to a clean sheet and believes a big win is within their reach, providing them with the foundation to rebuild their season.
Ipswich Town's Current Standing:
Currently, Ipswich Town is in 18th place with 17 points in the Premier League table[1][3]. Their goal differential stands at -34, reflecting their struggles to find the net and maintain a solid defense[1].
Recent Performance:
In their most recent match against Nottingham Forest, Ipswich Town previously lost 2-4 at Portman Road[2]. Despite holding their opponents at bay for the first 35 minutes, a collapse in seven minutes saw three goals conceded, ending any hopes of a comeback[2]. Their recent form shows a struggle to secure wins, putting them firmly in the relegation zone[4].
[1] https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/57327942
[2] https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/56812887
[3] https://www.premierleague.com/tables
[4] https://www.whoscored.com/Matches/2234793/Overview/Ipswich-Town-vs-Nottingham-Forest-Premier-League-2022-2023
- "Alex Palmer, now facing competition from Christian Walton, Aro Muric, and Ceiran Slicker at Ipswich Town, has revealed that he's aware of the goalkeeping pathway for the club discontinuing in January when Walton got fit."
- "Kieran McKenna, the Ipswich Town manager, spoke about Alex Palmer's impressive communication skills, praising his ability to command the backline but admitting that his teammates sometimes joke about him talking too much."
- "In a bid to avoid relegation, Alex Palmer, the goalkeeper on loan at Ipswich Town from West Bromwich Albion, is eager to lead the team by example and improve his performance to help secure crucial wins, such as the upcoming game against Nottingham Forest at Portman Road."
